12/06/2025
Strengthening International Ties for Local Talent: RAF and Silvesterlauf Collaboration
Today marked a significant moment for the Rwanda Athletics Federation (RAF) as Hon. Minister of Sports Nelly together with Minister of State RWEGO Ngarambe warmly received Mr. Hans George Tilly, a globally renowned marathoner and President of Silvesterlauf Trier (Germany), who is currently in Rwanda on an official visit and also took part in the just-concluded Kigali International Peace Marathon 2025.
Mr. Tilly’s presence in Rwanda not only reaffirms a long-standing partnership between RAF and Silvesterlauf but also signals continued collaboration aimed at deepening international exposure for Rwandan athletes.
🏃♀️ Why This Partnership Matters
For the past nine years, RAF and Silvesterlauf have worked together to create life-changing opportunities for emerging Rwandan athletes—providing them with access to elite training programs, high-performance competition exposure, and mentorship from some of the world’s most accomplished runners.
One shining example is Florence, the 2025 KIPM Women’s Half Marathon champion, who rose through this very support system. Her success illustrates how structured international collaboration can uplift local talent and place Rwandan athletes on the global map.
📈 Technical Impact: Pathway to Global Rankings
Through this partnership:
• Athletes gain access to World Athletics-sanctioned events, crucial for earning ranking points.
• Young talents benefit from technical clinics, insights, and sports science exposure.
• RAF is able to benchmark its coaching systems and athlete development pathways against global standards.
These factors collectively improve performance metrics, ranking potential, and international competitiveness for Rwandan athletes—especially in long-distance running, where Rwanda has untapped potential.
🤝 Investing in the Next Generation
Beyond elite runners, this cooperation also focuses on youth development. Silvesterlauf’s support has helped fund grassroots programs , nurturing athletes from early ages and ensuring continuity in talent pipelines. This is where arise and Shine comes from.
🙏 Appreciation to Hon. Minister
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Minister of Sports for her warm reception of Mr. Tilly and her steadfast leadership in guiding the growth of athletics in Rwanda. Her support continues to be instrumental in forging global partnerships and creating an environment where Rwandan athletes can thrive, both at home and on the world stage.